NPR’s “Car Talk” Hosts: No More “Fear-Mongering Bull-feathers” from Automakers
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Contact: Select Committee, 202-225-4081
NPR’s “Car Talk” Hosts: No More “Fear-Mongering Bull-feathers” from Automakers
Click and Clack Say We've Let Fuel Economy Get Out of Whack
WASHINGTON (October 30, 2007) – The hosts of National Public Radio’s famed show “Car Talk” have sent a letter to Chairman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and the members of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming backing a 35 mile per gallon fuel economy standard for America’s vehicles that is currently being considered in Congress. In the letter, Tom and Ray Magliozzi, aka Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers, use their renowned wit and vehicle knowledge to knock down the auto industry’s continued resistance to adopt stronger fuel economy standards.
“As any listener knows, Tom and Ray are where common sense begins when it comes to cars, and when they say reaching 35 miles per gallon is feasible and the smart play for the American auto industry, people should listen” said Chairman Markey. “Automakers should stop acting like they’re playing the Tappet Brothers’ game, ‘Stump the Chumps,’ and start supporting higher fuel economy standards in Congress’ energy bill.”
In the letter, Click and Clack argue that technology currently exists to reach a 35 mpg standard in 5 years, nearly a decade before the 2020 timeframe that is currently in the compromise Senate language being considered in Congress. From hybrid technology to rail fuel injection to cylinder deactivation, the brothers’ encyclopedic knowledge of solutions to America’s low fuel economy is on display in the missive, as is their rapier wit.
Here are selected excerpts from the letter, which is available on the Select Committee website:
--The onslaught of ‘we can’t. . .it’ll ruin us. . .you’re denying Americans a choice in vehicles’ begins every time we the people—through our elected representatives—try to bring the auto industry, kicking and screaming into the modern era.
--Every single time [the auto industry has] resisted safety, environmental, or fuel economy regulations, auto industry predictions have turned out, in retrospect, to be fear-mongering bull-feathers.
--The truth is, significantly higher average fuel economy can be achieved. In fact it’s already being achieved. And if we don’t push our own auto industry to set world class standards, they’ll be beaten again by the Japanese, the Koreans, and, maybe even the Chinese. . .
--Not only can it be done, but by increasing CAFE standards dramatically, you’ll be helping the American automotive industry compete—by forcing to synchronize their priorities with those of the American people. . .
Congress is currently considering two energy bills passed by the House and Senate that would reduce oil dependence and cut global warming pollution. The Senate-passed bill, which contains the 35 mpg fuel economy standard and other oil saving provisions, would save more than twice as much oil as we currently import from the Middle East by 2030. The House bill contains groundbreaking provisions to increase our use of renewable energy and make our appliances and buildings more efficient. It is estimated that, by 2030, energy legislation with the best provisions from both bills would reduce the total amount of U.S. heat-trapping emissions by roughly 40 percent of what’s needed to save the planet from dangerous global warming.
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The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming was formed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to increase the visibility and priority given to America's oil dependence and global warming challenges. It is chaired by Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and will actively explore the solutions, science and progress on these pressing issues during the 110th Congress.
